Interprofessional Case Study Event Elevates Patient Care Strategies

By Office of the President | Apr 2, 2024

The Sixth Annual Interprofessional Case Study event, organized by Downstate's School of Health Professions (SOHP) in collaboration with the College of Nursing and the School of Public Health, took place on March 21. Engaging over 160 students in-person and virtually, the event underscored the importance of healthcare professionals working collaboratively in interdisciplinary teams to improve patient care.

Case-based learning constitutes a crucial component of health education, equipping students with essential clinical skills, fostering active learning, and enriching their understanding of the complexities involved in patient care. Interprofessional education amplifies this by instructing students on how to operate effectively within intricate healthcare settings. The amalgamation of these methodologies provides a comprehensive educational journey to emerge as proficient, collaborative, and patient-focused professionals.

The focal point of this year's case revolved around a 58-year-old African-American woman from Downstate's neighboring community. She presented symptoms such as post-coital discomfort, sporadic back pain, and intermittent urinary incontinence. Initially overlooked by her primary care physician, she was subsequently diagnosed with pelvic organ prolapse. This case struck a chord with students as it illuminated broader public health challenges, including systemic racism, highlighting how healthcare providers often neglect the health issues of individuals of color, thereby perpetuating health inequalities.

Students from various programs within the School of Health Professions, including Diagnostic Medical Imaging, Health Informatics, Midwifery, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Physician Assistant programs, alongside College of Nursing and School of Public Health students, actively contributed insights from their respective disciplines. They collaborated on treatment plans and discussed strategies to address complex health issues, advocate for patients, and identify supportive resources. Faculty from Health Professions, Nursing, and Public Health guided students through this immersive experience.

This activity emphasized the significance of seamless collaboration among healthcare professionals and emphasized the increasing focus on Interprofessional Education (IPE), now a requirement by numerous accrediting bodies. Beyond the confines of academia, this event mirrored the shifting terrain of healthcare education, showcasing how Downstate's colleges and schools are equipping the next generation of healthcare professionals and influencing the direction of healthcare provision.